Roundup

Public services students become first in the country to undertake prison work experience

Six students from City College Norwich are the first in the country to complete a week’s work experience behind the walls of a prison.

The group, who are on the extended diploma level three public services course at the college, undertook the placement at HMP Norwich as part of a scheme aiming to engage young adults with careers in the prison service.

Students had the chance to work in the control room and offender management unit, and had an insight into processes such as visitation, education and rehabilitation. They also completed a fitness test required of all prison staff, and witnessed the work of security sniffer dogs.

At the end of the placement, the students gave a presentation to justice secretary Elizabeth Truss, highlighting what they had learned, and talked about how they found the overall experience.

Patrick Setters, who worked at Norwich Prison before joining City College Norwich as a public services lecturer, said: “There is a recruitment shortage for prison staff and this is one way of helping to address that. I believe this scheme will help to recruit dedicated people who are aware of the challenges which will therefore retain staff.”